Rethinking Adult ADHD Helping Clients Turn Intentions Into Actions

In Rethinking Adult ADHD, Dr. J. Russell Ramsay provides a first‑of‑its‑kind exploration of the common beliefs that underlie and reinforce ADHD in adults, and offers a blueprint to help clients overcome ADHD symptoms using cognitive behavior therapy.
 
While negative thinking does not cause ADHD, research shows that cognitive strategies play a key role in maintaining ADHD symptoms. The book explores research on negative thoughts and beliefs in adults with ADHD, specifically the belief, or lack thereof, in one’s ability to persistently and consistently carry out the steps required to achieve one’s goals. This manifests in what Dr. Ramsay describes as self-distrust thoughts and self-mistrust beliefs, and which leads to escape–avoidance coping patterns. To address these problems, he targets emotional, behavioral, and relationship problems for work in therapy.

Clinical case illustrations show how traditional cognitive change tactics can be adapted to treatment of adult ADHD, to foster the implementation of coping strategies and essential skills. These cognitive approaches serve as an essential ligament in treatment, designed to help adults with ADHD more consistently turn their intentions into actions.

J. Russell ("Russ") Ramsay, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and associate professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. In addition to continuing to work as a senior staff clinician at the Center for Cognitive Therapy, in 1999 he cofounded and still serves as the codirector of Penn Medicine's Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment and Research Program. Dr. Ramsay also has authored numerous professional articles and book chapters and has lectured internationally on various issues related to adult ADHD as well as the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. Follow @cbt4adhd

Acknowledgments
Introduction
 
1. Introduction to Adult ADHD
Contemporary Formulation of Adult ADHD
ADHD Within a Unified Theory of Psychology
Prevalence, Persistence, and Comorbidity and Impairments of Adult ADHD
Conclusion
Key Clinical Points
2. Clinical Outcome Research for Adult ADHD
Treatments for Adult ADHD
Research Relevant to the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Model of Adult ADHD
Conclusion
Key Clinical Points
3. Cognitive Behavior Therapy Model of Adult ADHD
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Case Conceptualization
The Generic Cognitive Model and Its Relevance for Adult ADHD
Primary Cognitive Theme of Adult ADHD
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Model for Adult ADHD
Conclusion
Key Clinical Points
4. Cognitive Interventions Adapted to Adult ADHD
Identifying Thoughts and Their Effects
Cognitive Modification: Retaining Your Defense Attorney
Cognitive Defusion
Cognitive Framing and Reframing
Cognitive Modification for Common Distortions
Other Cognitive Change Tactics
Conclusion
Key Clinical Points
5. Cognitive Interventions in Action: Common Issues in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adult ADHD
Engaging in Treatment
Procrastivity and Adult ADHD
Managing Procrastination: How You Don’t Do Things
Time Management Challenges
Attitudes About Organization
Emotional Management Difficulties
Tolerating Discomfort: Taming the Ugh
Reining in Impulsivity
Manufacturing Motivation and the Valuation of Tasks
Assertiveness as an ADHD Coping Strategy: Define Your Role
Using Coping Strategies and Handling Setbacks
Changing Maladaptive Schemas/Core Beliefs
Conclusion
Key Clinical Points
6. Additional Clinical Issues in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adult ADHD
Medications
Emerging Adults With ADHD
Comorbid Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Use
Sleep Problems
Technology
Relationships
Senior Adults With ADHD
Suicidality
Managing Oppositional Behavior
Therapist Reactions/Misconceptions
Conclusion
Key Clinical Points
7. Case Examples
Grace-Ann
Evan
Kurt
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
 
Appendix. Credible Sources of Information About Adult ADHD
References
Index
About the Author